If you squirt a little liquid dishsoap in the bowl, it helps lubricate the clog. Sometimes it's helpful to let the soap soak in the bowl for a while. Liquid dishwashing soap will also help keep the plunger clean.
Also, if you pour a few gallons of warm water from the bathtub into the bowl, you can avoid a potential overflow from flushing. Don't use hot water because it could crack the porcelain. Have fun! Gary in TX
